As yet another Spring month draws to a close, temps begin to rise along with the anticipation of Bikini Season looming just around the corner. Despite my affinity for shopping finding a bathing suit to properly accommodate my very Latina upper proportions whilst boosting the posterior has always been a near impossible task leaving me in tears after most attempts. While all women have different swimwear needs when faced with any issue it's always best to consult the expert. Who would be the expert in this case? Brazilians, of course.
The Brazilian bikini has long been the swimwear authority -- famous for risqué cuts and clever shaping techniques. Even Super Model Anne Vyalitsyna recently confessed she pines for the famous Brazilian derriere saying, " Like every woman, my dream is to have a Brazilian ass," and makes up for what nature denied by opting for the sexy cut.
"The very small Brazilian bikini works best for me, because if I wear something that's got more coverage, the fabric is saggy and makes me look like I literally have no ass."
So with this endorsement in mind let's take a look at some of Sao Paulo's finest swimwear. If we can't squat our way to a Brazilian booty by Memorial Day we might as well try to outfit one.
Movimento - Watercolored Whimpsy
Movimento's 2012 swimwear collection featured an exclusive collaboration with Brazilian artist George Barbosa who designed original prints to compliment the lines one-of-kind silhouettes. True to the Brazilian reputation for sex appeal, Movimento offered plenty of teeny tiny bikinis. However there was much versatility in the form of retro high-waisted bottoms, pleated halter and ruffle front tops and embellished one shoulder whole-pieces. The line hits a high note by representing the season's biggest trend offering several styles in romantic pastel florals.
Skinbiquini - The Fruity Mambo
Designer Renata Gomes played on another hot trend for Summer: neon. But rather than focus on florals she found herself inspired by a Brazilian art movement called, Tropicalism. The collection evolved with colors such as watermelon and banana -- even using fruit graphics in some prints. The styles followed a more contemporary tilt with an ultra sexy underwire strapless, one-shoulder maillot and scalloped edged triangles.
Cia Maritima - Dollface
A play on sweet and sexy Cia's collection featured a mix of references with one predominant statement -- Barbie. After creating exclusive Barbie prints the designer then combined them with sexy leopard, sweet florals, geometrics and tons of hot pink - yet another nod to Barbie, of course. The cut-out one pieces, dramatic caftans, demi-cup tops and string styles cater to the Barbie doll in us all.
Adriana Degreas - Indigenous Diva
Designer Adriana Degreas is known for catering to the high luxury swimwear customer -- the kind that summers in the Hamptons or on a yacht in St. Tropez. This season was no exception. With an emphasis on glamorous fabrics and dramatic silhouettes, Degreas harkens the Brazilian diva of the 70s and their "chic way of being."
The collection represents indigenous figures such as palm leaves, tropical birds and feathers printed on shimmering lycra, satin and sheer chiffon.
All photos courtesy of Plush Swimwear.